Joyous Swing

I happened upon this swing set today. Dangling seats beckoned me.

Come play, they said. Come play with us. My inner child awakened. I’m still here, She said. Let’s play. I grabbed the morning-chilled steel chain ropes, wrapped my fingers around them, and settled into the rubber sling seat.

My heart lifted. Energy filled my limbs. My toes reached for and touched the cedar chips beneath me. Bending my knees back, I pushed off and pumped with my legs, launching my flight to the sky. Freely, effortlessly I began my ascent. Higher and higher. The wind found me. In rhythm we flew up and free fell back together.

Up and back. A slight smile evoked by a childhood memory surfaced.

Let go, the wind whispered. Let go today. I closed my eyes, letting myself tip backwards into the air, back to a time of play. My sun-stroked hair brushed the earth as we passed by. Laughter caught me there.

Swish, swoosh, swish, swoosh.

I found joy today.

Life. It's yours. Go all in.

What would bring you joyous memories of your childhood today if you happened upon it?